The Colorado Rapids issued a statement Wednesday in which they revealed a player had been removed from all team activities in connection with unlawful sports gambling.
The announcement came amid reports that 21-year-old midfielder Max Alves had received a sum of money in exchange for picking up a yellow card during a match in the 2022 MLS season.
According to Gustavo Guimaraes of Territorio MLS, Alves’s name appears on a document which was released by Brazilian authorities, indicating he’d received R$60,000 (roughly $12,100 USD) to be booked in a match against the LA Galaxy.
The match in question occurred on Sept. 17, 2022, during which Alves was substituted into the game at the 64th minute. He was booked with a yellow card in the 65th minute.
Max Alves, Colorado Rapids winger, is under investigation by the Brazilian Public Ministry for allegedly received R$60.000 to be booked with a yellow card in the match between his club and the LA Galaxy last season, a fact that actually happened.
— Gustavo Guimarães (@GdeGustavo83) May 10, 2023
His name appears in a document… pic.twitter.com/CgQc5SKMNZ
The Rapids lost the game, 4–1.
“We are aware of the reports regarding a Colorado Rapids player in connection with unlawful sports gambling. We take matters of this nature seriously and seek at all times to protect the dignity of the game. The player has been removed from all team activities while MLS conducts an investigation into this matter,” said the Rapids in their statement.
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) May 11, 2023
Alves joined Colorado in January 2022, signing from Brazilian side Flamengo on a deal worth around $900,000, per Transfermarkt. He’s made 38 league appearances for the Rapids, tallying one goal, one assist and eight yellow cares.
His last appearance for Colorado came May 6 in a 3–1 victory against the Galaxy.
